The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it is working to cut cargo clearance time to under 24 hours with its homegrown B’Odogwu system.
The digital platform—first piloted at the Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) command in Lagos in October 2024—is part of a broader modernisation project approved in May 2022 and ratified by the Federal Executive Council in April 2023, structured as a 20-year public‑private partnership with the Trade Modernisation Project.
The initiative was detailed at a sensitisation event in Apapa on Monday.
“Our modernisation project,” she adds, “has introduced a robust training programme to ensure all stakeholders are equipped to effectively use the B’Odogwu system,” she adds. “At PTML, stakeholders, including agents and importers, have reported an improved system with no downtime experience. In accordance with our ongoing capacity-building efforts, we aim to implement these resources across all Customs commands.”
Customs: No downtime reported with ‘homegrown’ B’Odogwu system
Kikelomo Adeola, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT Modernisation, says the service is committed to the target. “Our modernisation project,” she adds, “has introduced a robust training programme to ensure all stakeholders are equipped to effectively use the B’Odogwu system,” she adds. “At PTML, stakeholders, including agents and importers, have reported an improved system with no downtime experience. In accordance with our ongoing capacity-building efforts, we aim to implement these resources across all Customs commands.”
Representing the Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu and Deputy Comptroller (DC) Administration Henry Eromobor said that while every new system faces challenges, the B’Odogwu system is here to stay. “Of course, we know every system has its own challenges, and this new one won’t be an exception. However, the norm is that we should take things as they come, and above all, we will see a great testimony,” according to Olomu.
The event, held at both the Apapa and Murtala Muhammed Area Commands, brought together representatives from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Airline Agencies, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Shipping Lines and Shipping Companies, the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and Bonded and Terminal Operators.
The B’Odogwu system is a homegrown solution intended to simplify customs procedures and cut processing delays.
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